Following are the personal barriers to effective communication:
(a) Barriers Related to Superiors: These barriers are as follows:
(i) Fear of Challenge of Authority: Everybody desires to occupy a high office in the organisation. In this hope,
the officers try to conceal their weaknesses by not communicating their ideas. There is a fear in their mind
that in case the reality comes to light they may have to move to the lower level.
(ii) Lack of Confidence in Subordinates: Top-level superiors think that the lower-level employees are less
capable and, therefore, they ignore the information or suggestions sent by them. They deliberately ignore the
communication from their subordinates in order to increase their own importance. Consequently, the selfconfidence of the employees is lowered.
(b) Barriers Related to Subordinates: Subordinates-related barriers are the following:
(i) Unwillingness to Communicate: Sometimes the subordinates do not want to send any information to their
superiors. When the subordinates feel that the information is of negative nature and will adversely affect
them, an effort is made to conceal that information. If it becomes imperative to send this information, it is
sent in a modified or amended form. Thus, the subordinates, by not clarifying the facts, become a hindrance
in communication.
(ii) Lack of Proper Incentive: Lack of incentive to the subordinates creates a hindrance in communication. The
lack of incentive to the subordinates is because of the fact that their suggestions or ideas are not given any
importance. If the superiors ignore the subordinates, they become indifferent towards any exchange of ideas
in future.
